Evaluations of Physical Aggression Among Intimate Dyads

This investigation examined subjective evaluations of spousal aggression as a function of sex of the aggressor, severity of the violence, and sex of the respondent. Male and female respondents evaluated male violence and female violence equally. Forms of violence implying greater physical harm were evaluated more negatively, and all forms of violence were evaluated more negatively when the male was the aggressor. Both men and women who reported experiences as aggressors or victims in their relationships evaluated aggression less negatively than individuals with no history of violence in their relationships. Respondents offered similar situations legitimizing male violence and female violence.